NEPC Boss, Awolowo resumes, Vows to do More on Non-oil Exports

Mr. Awolowo was received on arrival by the management and staff of the organisation, led by George Enyieokpon, Director, Export Development & Incentives.

He expressed happiness to be back and sees his second coming as an opportunity to intensify efforts at improving the contribution of non-oil exports sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

According to him “I am thankful to Mr. President as this offers me the opportunity to continue our drive towards a Zero Oil economy hinged on the accelerated development of our non-oil sector…This will be enhanced by the implementation of the Zero Oil pillar of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and buoyed by the recently launched National Economic Council Committee on Export Promotion”.

Awolowo said “I appreciate the tremendous support of our parent Ministry – the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, International Development Partners, dedicated exporters and other stakeholders for their interest in the development and promotion of the non-oil export sector”.

In a related development, and what looks like a first official engagement after reappointment, the CEO received the Executive members of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by its President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, who came to congratulate Awolowo on his re-appointment.

In his message Kayode noted that the re-appointment of Awolowo is a clear testimony of the present administration’s determination to drive Nigeria to the path of economic buoyancy through the non-oil sector using the agency as the navigating tool. He announced the establishment of an Export Desk at the Chambers as a liaison platform to enhance collaborative strategies to promote the non-oil export sector.

Prince Kayode called on Awolowo “to institutionalise a regular consultation with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in other to fast track activities in the area, as this would also forge closer working relationship with the Organised Private Sector.

The re-appointment is another opportunity for him to continue to drive Nigeria out of the mono economy and in an accelerated manner sustainably place her on the map of countries whose non-oil exports have accounted for their development. For us in the Chamber, our doors are wide open and we are always ready to contribute our ideas and expertise in order to achieve a fully diversified non-oil economy for Nigeria”, he added.

Awolowo was recently reappointed (for a second tenure that will last for four years) by President Buhari as the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC -according to a letter signed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation dated February 28, 2018.

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